Did Shaq Find Out He Got Traded via Twitter?

Shaquille O’Neal, the 7-foot-1, 325-pound, 37-year-old Phoenix Suns center, was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers late yesterday, uniting him with Lebron James, the NBA’s reigning MVP.

O’Neal, one of the most followed celebrities on Twitter (current follower count: 1.4 million), responded via tweets early this morning that he was unaware of the trade, which promptly send Twitterville and those who monitor it into a (sorry) twizzy.

Look at Shaq’s last few tweets. Several minutes ago he tweeted out “I didn’t hear dat yet” in response to this tweet , “is it true u a CLEVELAND CAVALIER.” A few minutes later someone sent Shaq the following tweet, “U CLEVELAND BOUND…shaq found out he was traded thru twitter! lmao….hahahaaaaaa” Shaq’s response? “I kno right.”

Sure, this makes for a funny anecdote to add to Twitter’s growing lore, but let’s take a Shaq-sized (foot size=23) step back here.

Do you really think the Phoenix Suns and Cleveland Cavaliers did not discuss the finalizing of this trade—rumored for over a week—with O’Neal? After all, Cleveland is giving up two players, a second round draft choice and $500,000 in cash for a year’s worth O’Neal’s services (his contract is up after next season)—not to mention they’re paying his $21,000,000 annual salary. You really think Shaq wasn’t consulted on this deal?